Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday delivered a scathing political message in Ikinu, Githunguri Constituency, declaring that Kenya was headed for a one-term presidency and accusing the current administration of misleading the public and presiding over policy failure.
Addressing residents in Kiambu County, Gachagua said the public mood across the country had shifted decisively against what he described as “lies, poor policy, zero development and political retrogression,” arguing that Kenyans were ready to chart a new political path.
“The people have spoken. It is now a matter of time,” Gachagua told the gathering. “Our nation deserves better than lies, poor policy, zero development and political retrogression. One term is inevitable.”
His remarks amounted to one of his most direct predictions yet about the fate of the current leadership, as political temperatures begin to rise ahead of the 2027 general election. Gachagua framed his message as a reflection of popular frustration, particularly over the high cost of living, stalled development projects and what he said was a widening gap between campaign promises and delivery.
The former deputy president, who has positioned himself as a vocal critic of the government since his fallout with President William Ruto, said the Mt Kenya region was no longer willing to support leaders who, in his view, had abandoned the electorate after winning power.
“Leadership is about honesty, sound policy and visible development,” he said. “When those things are missing, the people withdraw their support. That is what is happening.”
Gachagua’s appearance in Kiambu comes as opposition and dissident voices intensify grassroots mobilisation, with Mt Kenya increasingly emerging as a key political battleground. Once regarded as a solid support base for the current administration, the region has shown signs of restlessness, with leaders openly questioning economic policies and governance style.
While government allies have dismissed claims of a looming one-term presidency as premature political bravado, Gachagua insisted his message was grounded in conversations with ordinary Kenyans.
“This is not about personalities,” he said. “It is about the future of our country and the kind of leadership Kenyans want.”
His comments are expected to sharpen political debate in the coming months, as alliances shift and leaders test their influence on the ground.
